“Targetted”- Klopp on why he took off Liverpool superstar vs Atletico

Jurgen Klopp explains why he substituted Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane at half time

Talking to BT Sports (h/t Mirror) after the match, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed that Sadio Mane was substituted at half-time during their win over Atletico Madrid because he feared the striker might end up taking a red card because of the Spaniards’ play-acting.

The Senegalese attacker received an early booking and Atletico did their best to get him to see red. Thankfully the referee was able to see through their antics and even sent off Felipe, reducing the visitors to ten men themselves.

The Reds cruised into the last-16 of the Champions League by beating 10-man Atletico Madrid to win 2-0 at Anfield on Wednesday. This guarantees the top spot for the Reds with two games left. An incredible effort, given the clubs in the group.

Speaking after the game, Klopp admitted that Mane was being actively targetted by Atletico players in the first half. While the winger put on an excellent showing, there is no denying that the Spaniards were keener on using dark arts to get him out of the game.

“No he was targeted obviously, yes, that was clear. Sadio played a really good first half and the only thing they wanted was to make sure he got a yellow card.”

Klopp also said that he hated the moment of taking Mane off but he was left with no choice. At the very least, it will ensure that the Senegalese is rested and raring to go this weekend against West Ham United.

“The referee was [in control] but I really hate the moment when I had to take off Sadio Mane. You could see every challenge in the air, you don’t know what could happen. I didn’t like it but in the end, you have to do it.”

Pool have now done the double over Spanish champions this season after the English club got the better of them in a fiery encounter fortnight ago, which ended up 3-2 at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Anfield also made sure that Atletico players, especially former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and coach Diego Simeone had a tough time. The Uruguayan striker was booed throughout the match while Simeone was mocked as well.

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Liverpool have every reason to be proud of the result. Not only have they done the double over the Spanish champions but also gone about challenging Atletico’s down handed antics the right way. At the end of the day, football and not wrestling was the winner.